Tire replacement can be very costly and time-consuming. If you use precautionary measures, you can stretch the life of your tires much longer than you may think. Here are a few easy tips to make the most out of your tires while still keeping you and your passengers safe!

How to Make Your Tires Last Longer

Visual Examinations

Any sort of shards, debris, and remnants from the road can cause holes and cuts in your tires. While a nail or bit of glass may not immediately cause a flat tire, it will lead to a slow leak of air, which affects how your tires perform. To avoid having to change a flat tire on the side of the road, keep an eye out for any abnormalities.

Regular Tire Rotation

Rotating your tires is essential to preserving them. Whether your car is front, rear, or all-wheel drive, the front and back of your car create different wear on your tires. Rotating your tires also provides you with the opportunity to have your tires examined for wear and tear that is not visible to the untrained eye. While modern cars can go longer without being inspected or serviced, it is necessary that tires are rotated roughly every 5,000 miles (varies based on tire size) to ensure that your car is running smoothly.

Annual Wheel Alignment

Regular tire alignment is necessary because of everyday circumstances your vehicle faces. Depending on the weather, speed and road conditions, tires are more prone to wear and tear. This wear and tear changes the wheel alignment over time as the car’s suspension is affected. If your tires display more damage on one edge than the other, it is time to get the wheel realigned. Even when there is no visual need for an alignment, make sure you still keep up with it annually.

Correct Tire Pressure

Under and over-inflation of tires can cause premature damage, and may cause tires to burst. Tires that are under-inflated experience wear on the edges of the tire, while over-inflated tires damage the center. Most car manuals indicate how many pounds per square inch (PSI) every tire needs, and some cars have a built-in tire pressure monitoring system to indicate where the tire pressure stands. It doesn’t hurt to invest in a tire pressure gauge or electric air compressor to manually check the air pressure. Be mindful of changes in temperature because as the seasons change, tire pressure does as well. Every 10-degree change in temperature can change tire pressure by 1 pound.

Constant Speeds

Nothing decreases tire life quicker than rash driving. Tires get hotter the faster they travel, and the hotter a tire gets, the quicker the rubber gets worn down. Alternating between fast and slow speeds and repeated braking can affect how the tires perform. Worn tires caused by dangerous driving may lead to losing control of the car and hinder how well your brakes work. The more careful you drive, the easier it is to perverse your tires and keep you safe.

Tires Near You

Tires are a crucial component to your car and properly maintaining them ensures a safer and more efficient vehicle. Lengthening the life of your tires by using the tips above can help you save money. If you are in need of new tires, explore TreadHunter for tires in your area today.